McNerney, Latta introduce new nuclear technology legislation
House Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C) members Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) introduced new legislation regarding nuclear technology advancement on Tuesday.
The new legislation -the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016, H.R. 4979 – requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to work together on the advancement of advanced nuclear technology as a clear energy alternative. The legislation also requires the NRC to create a framework for regulating, licensing and overseeing the development of new nuclear technology.
“The NRC functions best when it has the tools to fulfill its mission while allowing innovators in the nuclear industry to thrive,” Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) said. “This legislation is forward thinking, and I commend Rep. Latta and Rep. McNerney for leading the charge on ensuring a bright future for new nuclear energy technologies. I look forward to examining the bill in our subcommittee in the very near future.”
McNerney said that nuclear power provides 60 percent of all clean electricity in the United States. He and Latta agreed that investing in the advancement of new reactor technology would allow the U.S. to maintain its position as one of the world’s leading nuclear technology innovators and keep the U.S. energy portfolio diverse and clean.
